five things: needed for a sore throat

I lost my voice.  Yep.  I can't talk, only whisper.  My sore throat started a couple of days ago and my voice was sounding a little funky but I thought that would be the extent of it all.  I was wrong.  Three Spelling quizzes, and a couple of Phonics lessons later, my voice was done.  Finished.  I can't even get that raspy, irritating voice to come out.  So, I took the day off work to try and give my throat (which was hurting pretty bad yesterday, but is slowly feeling better today) a much needed rest.  I still don't have my voice back (which should be interesting tomorrow at work), but I'm feeling better.

Here are five things that I used to help me feel better...

A fluffy comfy pillow.  And not just any pillow (I have a ton in my house), it must be my pillow, from my bed.  Nothing beats that.  Except that little guy loves my bed pillow and keeps stealing it away...lol.

A warm comfy blanket.  Because blankets just always make you feel better.

A pretty scarf to wrap around my neck.  A huge mistake that we make as women is exposing our neck and chest area to the cold.  If the weather is cold or you're in air conditioning a lot, take care by keeping your chest and neck covered from the cold air.  I have to be particulary cautious here in Riyadh as the dry air adds to this problem.  As soon as I cover my neck with a scarf my throat begins to feel better.  It's warm and soothing.  And with all the great scarf fashions out there, you can be stylish too.  ;) 

Vicks.  We're buddies, what can I say.  This is a staple in our home, always available.  I keep the BabyRub for little guy as well (it has lavendar and smells kinda nice).  For cough, cold, sinus troubles, sore throats, or anything similar, Vicks will help you out.  Slather it on before bed, cover up your neck and chest with an old turtleneck or towel and sleep.  This works for me, everytime.

Honey.  A spoonful of it.  This is a wonderful natural remedy for sore throats.  It's soothing and helps to fight bacteria.

And of course, do not forget to avoid cold drinks.  I've been keeping hydrated with room temp. water and hot drinks like tea, chai latte and coffee.

I'm just wondering when my little old voice will return.  We always take for granted the things we have, until they're gone.  Sometimes I think these experiences come to us to teach us little lessons in life.  I have no choice but to rest my voice.  Perhaps I'm meant to take some time out from talking and take a bit more time for reflecting and thinking.  :)

All images via Target, except the honey image which is from here.